Chris Weikle

“Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” – John F. Kennedy

By accepting responsibility for his future, Chris Weikle faced career-altering challenges that could have defeated him but instead made him into the professional he is today.

A graduate of West Virginia University (WVU) and West Virginia University College of Law, Weikle holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor. He also attended Pepperdine University in London, England, where he studied international sports and entertainment law.

After law school, he faced a challenge that would change the trajectory of his entire career. He did not pass the bar exam and was left feeling discouraged and lacking full-time employment. Weikle was able to overcome this obstacle by working odd jobs, selling insurance and investments, doing freelance work for ad agencies, drafting bills for legislative services and volunteering on then-Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin’s first gubernatorial campaign. He was then hired by the campaign to do fundraising and financial compliance.

After Tomblin won the special election for governor, Weikle was hired as his deputy director of public policy. During this time, Weikle developed, wrote and strategically communicated legislation on a broad range of policies, including energy, education and government efficiency. He has also served as the deputy director of government relations and advocacy with LGCR Government Solutions LLC.

Not only did Weikle play an integral role in the campaign, he considers one of his greatest successes to be helping pass Tomblin’s 2013 Education Reform Bill and being part of the team that helped present the case to Tomblin to expand Medicaid in West Virginia.

According to Weikle, keeping his nose to the grindstone kept his name out there and ultimately led him to his current job as senior government affairs manager at Southwestern Energy, where he works with local, state and federal officials to implement policies that create a safe, environmentally responsible and efficient means to produce oil and natural gas. He enjoys building friendships with people and working for a company where the mission is at the forefront of everything it does.

“It’s easy to advocate for Southwestern. We are an industry leader in emissions reductions and water conservation,” he says.

Weikle believes his passion for making a difference has had the greatest influence on his success—something he inherited from his mother.

“I always looked up to my mom being involved in so many things to better the community,” Weikle says.

Much like his mother, giving back to his community is a key part of Weikle’s life.

“I like to be involved through my church because they do so much good and connect with so many different parts of our community,” says Weikle.

As part of this passion he helps over­see the operations and activities at First Presbyterian Church, prepares meals at Manna Meal, reads stories and does facility work at Charleston Montessori School and was on the board at Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central West Virginia.

Weikle believes the Mountain State is filled with great opportunities, lifelong connections and friendships waiting to be made. These are just a few of the reasons he and his wife, Kelly; daughter, Ainsley; and son, Landon, choose to live and work here.

“West Virginia made me the person I am today,” he says. “I want to be a part of enhancing the state’s advantages so others can discover the benefits of West Virginia as a home.”